Open Door

What do we do?

Open Door offers vulnerable young people safe accommodation with Host Families – individuals, couples and families who live in the Black Country. A young person placed with a Host will receive a package of support from YMCA Black Country Group to help them gain the confidence and skills they need to become independent adults.

Many young people in the Black Country are unable to live at home with their family for a variety of reasons – bereavement, overcrowding, family breakdown or risk of abuse. At this age most young people still receive the care and support of their parents.

Young people unable to live at home can be extremely vulnerable. They may appear confident and ‘streetwise’ but the reality is very different. They become isolated, lonely and lack self-esteem, missing out on educational and social opportunities that others of the same age take for granted.

Without a safe home and the guidance of caring, responsible adults many of these young people become jobless, homeless and with little hope for the future.

The Open Door Project provides young people with the security they desperately need in the crucial years before adulthood.

We provide…

Early preventionA young person is identified and placed in supported lodgings while homelessness remains a risk.

More settled supported accommodationA young person who has no safe, settled home is placed in supported lodgings for up to two years, with a support plan to develop skills for life and economic independence.

Move on accommodationA young person who is ready for and needs greater independence than their current care or support package is accommodated as a lodger with a more appropriate form of support.

Emergency provisionA young person, subject to passing a risk assessment, may be placed in an emergency Nightstop bed for a few days while they are being assessed.

Respite SupportYoung people already accommodated elsewhere can be referred for respite care from a few days to a few weeks.

Young People need to:

Have a desire for a sustainable and satisfying adult lifestyle

Regulate their behaviour to accommodate house rules

Engage with Hosts and YMCA Open Door staff

The project is most suitable for 16-17 year olds but other ages are not automatically excluded.

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YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by, and faithful to our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive and energising communitieswhere young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.